Renewable Energy – it’s a hot topic here in Scotland and the UK, as we strive to meet ambitious net zero targets. And with various technologies available, it’s a mixture of these solutions – including solar, wind, and hydrogen power – that will lead us into a greener and more sustainable future.
The UK Government’s Hydrogen Strategy includes an investment fund of £240 million into the sector, with the aim of exploring and extending Hydrogen’s uses to decarbonize energy provision in the country. So, with Hydrogen production and storage facilities across the UK likely to now increase in number what considerations need to be made when it comes to lighting these areas and spaces?
The background
Hydrogen is a chemical element that’s most abundant in its gaseous form. It’s highly combustible and has a low ignition point – making it a highly explosive element. Accordingly any facility that produces, handles, stores, or transports hydrogen has to adhere to extensive safety regulations to minimize the risk of combustion. These safety regulations affect every practical element of the facility – including the lighting.
What this means for your lighting plan
As a result storage and production units are rigorously regulated to ensure there is minimal chance that even a small amount of the gas can escape the designated storage apparatus. However, explosion proof lighting must still be used. This includes fixtures which have the capacity to isolate the internal ignition mechanisms from flammable substances in the surrounding environment. This can be achieved by a combination of methods including encapsulating the lighting electronics, hermetically sealing the fitting or minimizing the flame path from the interior to exterior of the fitting. This means that, in the case of ignition and/or sparks, there is an added level of exclusion to ensure it never comes into contact with the outer atmosphere.
All explosion-proof lighting fixtures requires to be certified , but there are different levels of classification, depending on the likelihood and concentration of combustible gases or vapors in the local vicinity . ATEX certifications are used here in Europe to identify appropriately certified lighting.
For Hydrogen facilities, those responsible for lighting plans will have to take into account the following categories in relation to the area:
- The class – which relates to the form of flammable substance in the surrounding environment, ie. gas, liquid, dust, or fibre
- The division – which relates to normal or abnormal hazardous operating conditions.
- The group – which relates to the hazardous substance itself. Hydrogen comes under Group B, Group A being the most flammable.
From this you can see there are plenty of variables to consider – but with the right expertise, you can find the ideal solution. The classification of hazardous areas is usually the scope of a specialist who will conduct surveys of the Hazardous area and advise classifications and zoning. With the area duly classified the next step is to source suitable and fit for purpose lighting.
Expert guidance
At Ecolighting Systems, we specialize in hazardous area lighting. We already work across a variety of industries, including Renewables, Oil & Gas, Spirits, Mining, and Energy who operate to the most stringent safety and compliance standards.
Our expertise at designing the right lighting solution for your site, combined with our roster of market-leading suppliers, means that we are the ideal partner to advise, consult and deliver your lighting systems. Whatever the specifications, we’ll find the best products delivered in line with your project schedule and budget expectations.
To discuss your site, get in touch with our team today.
